DINING


resident wellbeing. Ninety-five per cent of providers surveyed said they regularly consider the physical environment where meals are served, including ensuring clear pathways and thoughtful furniture placement to support resident mobility and flow. Regularly reviewing crockery, cutlery and


tableware can also help create a more positive mealtime experience while supporting residents to eat well and maintain good nutritional intake – essential especially as those living in care are at increased risk of malnutrition.* Other environmental aspects, such as lighting,


noise levels and table presentation can influence residents’ appetite and comfort. Small adjustments, such as reducing background noise, sitting residents with familiar faces, and providing calm spaces for those who need them, can help to make mealtimes more enjoyable for residents.


The dementia dining gap It’s estimated 70 per cent of people living in care homes in England have dementia or severe memory problems.** Despite its prevalence continuing to rise, survey data suggests more


32 THE CARE HOME INDUSTRY HANDBOOK 2027


than a fifth (22 per cent) of care homes lack any best-practice staff training in creating a dining experience to suit residents living with dementia – unchanged since the last survey in 2023. This is also reflected when it comes to the dining environment; only a quarter (25 per cent) of providers offer designated dining spaces for residents who require a more specialist environment, despite guidance suggesting dedicated, calmer spaces are best practice when caring for those with dementia. Eighty-eight per cent of providers recognise


that mealtimes can be more challenging for residents living with dementia, but almost nine in ten care homes say they would benefit from advice on improving the dining experience they offer. This highlights a significant gap between recognising the importance of dementia-friendly dining and consistently delivering it in practice. Residents living with dementia may experience


a range of challenges that can impact mealtimes. This can include difficulties eating and drinking, particularly for those living with dysphagia, alongside challenges with concentration and communicating preferences. Staff knowledge and


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